One of the questions I'm asked most frequently is "Where is a really great hotel in Louisville? I'd like to stay in a nice hotel with good food and a good bar."

Of course, my answer is that the perfect Louisville hotel varies wildly upon your destination, purpose for traveling, and budget. My new favorite to add to the list is the brand-new Downtown Louisville Aloft, especially Corner Bar & Restaurant, across from Whiskey Row.

My beau and I visited Corner on a recent Saturday afternoon. The lively crowd were clearly still celebrating a U of L win from earlier that day -- your Cards ticket stub serves as a ticket for one free drink at Corner! -- and the mood was festive and fun. We may have even seen a local Congressman in the crowd...

The coasters at Corner feature my favorite local mural!

We sat down for a drink and some appetizers, and were impressed by the attention to detail. The whiskey menu was broken down by distillery. We ordered a pair of Old-Fashioneds. Mine, with Maker's Mark, featured delightful details like house-made maraschino cherries. Bob's, with Woodford Reserve, paired the whiskey's high vanilla note with the orange peel garnish for a deliciously smooth finish.

We ordered a pair of appetizers from the Game Day Menu. The beer cheese fondue from the three dips and chips trio was outstanding, but the real star was the brussels sprouts with candied jalapeno and apple vinaigrette.

We then moved up to the bar for a cocktail lesson from Ashley, Corner's resident mixologist. Let me tell you, this lady knows what she's doing.

Ashley worked with her patrons' flavor profiles to create drinks she thought they'd enjoy. She put so much care into every detail of the drinks, from basics like bloody marys or pina coladas on up to more complex libations.

The presentation was stunning, and the cocktails were amazing.

Thanks so much to Corner for the opportunity to come visit! We'll definitely be back soon!